Tennessee center Felix Okpara is “probable” for the Vols’ SEC opening matchup against Arkansas according to the SEC Availability Report. Okpara is dealing with a bruise and was a partial participant during Tennessee’s Friday practice.
Okpara did not have any sort of brace, padding or tape on during the practice and is expected to be able to play against the Razorbacks Saturday afternoon.
The 6-foot-11 center has started all 51 games for the Vols over the last two seasons after transferring to Tennessee from Ohio State. In 13 games this season, Okpara is averaging 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
Okpara has been a force at the rim defensively in recent games, blocking nine total shots in Tennessee’s last four games. If Okpara suffers a setback and can not go against Arkansas, all three of JP Estrella, DeWayne Brown and Jaylen Carey will have bigger roles against the Razorbacks.
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“I mean I think Felix, when he’s locked in, is the best post defender in the country with how he can guard both the perimeter and around the rim,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said following the Vols’ win over South Carolina State.
Tennessee has already dealt with a number of injuries and illnesses this season. JP Estrella, Bishop Boswell and Ethan Burg have all missed games while Cade Phillips is out for the year after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Arkansas opened as 1.5-point favorites over Tennessee on Friday afternoon according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 153.5. KenPom predicts Arkansas to earn a 79-78 win.
Tipoff between Tennessee and Arkansas is at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena. Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes are on the call for ESPN.
